Inauguration of International Airport postponed

Bangalore, Mar 13 (UNI) Putting an end to speculation over the launch of commercial operations at Greenfield Bengaluru International Airport, the Centre has asked its promoters to consider a suitable date after May ten for the inauguration of the new airport at Devanahalli, 40 km from here.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation expressed its inability to accept the earlier scheduled date of March 30 for opening the airport, a PIB release said today.

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was slated to inaugurate the airport on March 28 and the commercial operations were to begin two day's later.

''Given the status of the availability of the ATC services, the Ministry has directed BIAL to consider a suitable date after May ten,'' the release said.

Delay in the construction of the ATC facilities, including the control tower, technical block, office accommodation of AAI personnel and issues like electricity supply, house-keeping, airconditioning at the ATC facilities were the reasons for the postponement, the release added.

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